It is absolutely impossible to not enjoy Mychael Black’s Apocalypse Rising. It opens up in Caeli, the place between Heaven and Hell, and the Guardian angel Mikhail is introduced along with the man he’s supposed protect, Andrew Blackwell. There’s a big reason behind that, and it startled me to find out as Andrew is not what you call the best example of a human being. Yet, he lives in a different version of New York, battered, torn and destroyed from the last world war, and his somewhat self-absorbed nature is that of a survivor. I enjoyed their first meeting which happens so quickly, it left me breathless and curious.

The surprises keep coming as the story unravels, showing Andrew’s world – teetering on the brink of the true end or as the Christians call it: the Apocalypse. Mikhail isn’t just any angel, he’s almost human in his reactions and needs, and I loved seeing him react so fiercely to Andrew who fits the role of cynical, reluctant hero to a tee. As this is a short story, their relationship develops at a quick pace, but it’s still well-written and exquisitely detailed. The sex is out of this world, fraught with feeling. It was a fascinating story, especially when the action, always underlining everything, explodes in one beautifully described scene. I re-read this story more times than I can count and fully recommend this story along with a not so hidden hope for more on Mikhail and Andrew.

Reviewed by: Nicky